Jane Edwards 
- BAE Systems has earned AIMS certification for an F-16 IFF system
- New CIT supports software-based capability upgrades
- Production work spans facilities in New York and Texas
BAE Systems has secured AIMS certification from the Department of War for its AN/APX-127(V)1 Combined Interrogator Transponder, or CIT, clearing the identification friend or foe, or IFF, system for use on the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
The company said Tuesday it expects to begin deliveries of the first 90-unit production lot this year.
What Is AIMS Certification?
AIMS is an interoperability standard for IFF systems shared by the U.S. and NATO. According to BAE, the certified CIT is intended to help pilots separate friendly forces from potential adversaries in contested environments and support faster decision-making.
The CIT holds AIMS Mark XIIB certification and supports Mode S and Mode 5 for encrypted data exchange.
What Are the Capabilities of the IFF AN/APX-127(V)1 CIT?
The new system shares the same form factor as the AN/APX-113(V), AN/APX-125(V) and AN/APX-126(V) CITs, allowing it to directly replace those units, which operate on multiple U.S. and international platforms.
Designed for highly maneuverable aircraft, the CIT combines interrogation and transponder functions in a single unit. Its open architecture allows new capabilities to be added through software updates. The system also includes added receive channels for passive acquisition of Mode 5 Level 2 and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast In to support situational awareness.
Seth Guanu, combat identification products program area director at BAE Systems, said the company is investing in next-generation IFF technology to meet customers’ current and future mission needs.
“This solution provides added security and real-time information pilots need in a variety of threat environments,” Guanu said.
BAE Systems performs work on the CIT at its facilities in Greenlawn, New York, and Austin, Texas.
What Other Airborne Technologies Has BAE Systems Introduced?
The latest certification follows BAE’s launch of Shadow EW, a family of low size, weight and power electronic warfare products designed for small airborne platforms.
In March, the company rolled out Silver Link, a line of modular conformal antennas supporting air dominance and airborne communications. It partnered with Scale AI the same month to accelerate AI deployment across DOW operational platforms.
